地壳

地壳 (dì qiào) refers to the outermost layer of the Earth, commonly known as the Earth's crust in English. It is the solid surface that forms the planet's exterior and is distinct from the mantle and core beneath it.

The character 地 (dì) means 'earth' or 'land,' while 壳 (qiào) translates to 'shell' or 'crust.' Together, they literally mean 'earth's shell,' emphasizing the protective and outermost nature of this geological layer.

地壳 is widely used in geology and earth science contexts. Understanding it is essential for studying tectonic plates, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. In everyday language, it may appear in educational materials or scientific discussions about the Earth's structure.